By JAMES MADDEN
CHICAGO – For the third consecutive year, Rick Barnes and Tennessee fell just one win short of the first Final Four appearance in program history. A 95-62 thumping by Michigan, in a game that seemed unreachable from the jump ended the Volunteers’ season in Chicago on Sunday.
Turning 72 before the start of next season, Barnes’ name has been rumored in potential retirement conversations. With next year being his 12th season at Tennessee, Barnes said he’ll be back with the Volunteers next season.
Barnes didn’t elaborate on it when asked “I know the game just ended, but are you 100 percent committed to coming back to Tennessee next season?”
“Yeah, I am,” Barnes said postgame.
The Volunteers finished the season 25-12 and lost in the Elite Eight for the third straight season.
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